navybluephoenix

Hey everyone,
My factory radiator finally gave out on me and I was wondering what everyone was using. I noticed that some aftermarket radiators are only a hundred dollars more than the factory AC Delco, so price is not a problem. This car is mainly daily driven and sees the track in the summer 2-3 times a month. I want something that will be direct fit like factory. My car is 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 6 spd with an LS6 Engine and full bolt ons. It's only 400 rwhp and eventually I probably will be putting a Procharger in. So far, I have looked at Griffin: 6-298AE-JXX and Be Cool: 60246. Also what kind of hoses would you guys suggest? I'm looking at Goodyear Hoses: Upper 62426 and Lower 62249. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

djfury05

iTrader: (30)

You can get a stock LT1 Radiator. They are thicker and better than the LS1 radiators. They can be had for around $110 maybe. It is a direct fit and uses the same hoses and everything. There is one extra port on the driver's side that you will have to cap off, or like others have done, make it into a drain plug since the petcock valve drains so slow and breaks off sometimes.

KRAZY K 2000 TA

iTrader: (5)

thats what i am running LT1 radiator

nik1703

How do you cap that off?

Z28/2002

iTrader: (27)

I used a rubber vaccum cap and a clamp

navybluephoenix

Thanks djfury05 I had no idea that was true. It's interesting to see that a LT1 part is better than a LS1. Usually the LT1 guys are swapping to LS1 parts. I am surprised my stock radiator is not the same as a LT1.

Anybody use either of the two aftermarket radiators I listed above or some other company or brand?

WS6SP33D

iTrader: (2)

An lt1 radiator would prob be your best bet op. I have built and worked on a few cars where the owners have brought lt1 radiators to replace perfectly fine stock ls1 radiators. Then they leave to old one laying in my shop lol. Good luck on your decision and swap.

sjsingle1

iTrader: (1)

LT1 rad FTW !!!!!!

VandykeT/A

Why does my local autozone give me the same part number for my 02 and a LT1 radiator and advance says they are different? Would that mean autozones radiators are all the thicker one?

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Go with Advance. Order it online for in store pick up, and use "the" coupon code.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Get the LT1 radiator....then do what I did to mine (pictured below)...it makes a great flush line. The factory petcock flush valve sucks, its too small.

Now I have a brass fitting that goes into the hose end with a clamp on it.

.

djfury05

iTrader: (30)

Just ordered mine from Advance right now.. part # 432399. Originally $110.99. I used coupon code ES123 for a $30.00 discount, almost 27% off. Free shipping over $75.00. Total cost was $86.66 with tax. This is cheaper than any other radiator specific site I looked through, thanks for the tip dr whigham! Semper Fi

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

This past summer, I was running hot while sitting in traffic. The "barbed ring" part of the hose nipple sheared off and the hose popped off and dumped all the coolant. Damn plastic end tanks! AND, over the years, I've lost several transmissions due to blown transmission coolers in the radiator tank.

These days, I'd only run an aftermarket radiator that's all aluminum (with aluminum hose nipples) and an external transmission cooler.

navybluephoenix

Thanks for the pic I appreciate it.

Thanks for all your help again man and good call on the coupon.

Thanks dr whigham. I saw your thread about your wife's gift to you. That is awesome! Thanks for your service, keeping us safe and hope you get back safe soon.

navybluephoenix

Paul Bell, I love your T/A and thank you for your input because that's how I was feeling about the plastic tanks. Given, the factory one did well in my opinion. It has lasted me ten years and over 131,000 miles, but I am still curious from people who have aftermarket radiators. Are you guys really happy with them or wish you did something more inexpensive and closer to factory?

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

YES! I'm very happy with my Be Cool radiator. All aluminum including the tanks and hose nipples. It is thicker and will move the fans slightly closer to the engine-which shouldn't be a problem on an LS car.

I've driven the car in high heat in heavy traffic and my engine never passed 180 degrees (160 T-stat).

Well worth the cost IMHO. put one side by side with the stocker and you'll see.

38DD2436

Just bought a Spectra Premium LT1 rad. CU1486. Make sure the one you get that the core is larger than the one you have.

djfury05

iTrader: (30)

A better alternative to an expensive aftermarket radiator is to get the Evans Water Pump. The stock water pumps do no flow equal GPM to both side of the motor. The Evans fixes this. Not only more water but equal flow. I will be getting one for sure!

LPE 403

iTrader: (6)

Definate no-brainer! BeCool here too....

Paul Bell

iTrader: (9)

shizzle!